phono stage options for Lyra Cartridges

Don't forget the previously mentioned Nagra BPS! It is a great sounding phono stage and a very cost effective alternative to the Nagra VPS.

Good luck!

I use a K&K "Maxxed-Out" phono stage with my Skala (and an Argo before), and am quite pleased - I've compared it with several more expensive phono stages, and have never found it to be lacking in any performance parameter, especially considering the price. Musical, communicative, ultra quiet and it does the "hi-fi" things nicely as well. Although marketed as a kit, Kevin will assemble a complete, tested unit. The build is a lot of fun, but takes time and soldering skills.

-Richard

I haven't heard one myself, but, I would look into the Artemis tube phonostage. It appears to be a sensible design and it is not too expensive. The Manley phonostage is pretty nice sounding, and very versatile, but it cost more than twice the Artemis.

I personally prefer tube phonostages for most MC cartridges. I use a Viva fono myself with a Titan, though that stage is now crazy expensive. A friend has a Tron phonostage that I've heard in two different systems that sounds pretty good, provided you find the right tubes (friend ended up with Amperex Bugle boy 12ax7s as the preferred small signal tube).

Of the solid state stages I've heard, I think the Sutherland sounds decent (a touch "polite" sounding, but nice). I also like the 47 Labs Phonocube (lively and "direct" sounding). On the high end of the price scale, I like the Naim Stageline (quite expensive unless you can find a suitable, used power supply). A friend has a Stageline for use with a Lyra Titan and a Transfiguration Orpheus.

Good luck on your search.

Hi Larry,

Which Lyra cartridge did your friend have that was mated w/ the Tron Phonostage ?

Thank you.
Noli

I've heard the Tron with the Lyra Helikon, Transfiguration Orpheus and the Ortofon PW. It works well with all three, even though it does not offer different loading options.